Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis offer cruisers a small, workable set of bays and town harbours that link easily into passages up or down the eastern Caribbean island chain.

The Brimstone Hill Fortress is a major historical site visited by many cruising crews. This UNESCO World Heritage fort gives a clear view of the islands’ colonial history and wide views over the surrounding sea.

On Nevis, the Baths at Nevis are natural hot springs within easy reach from the main anchorages. They make a straightforward stop ashore for crews wanting time off the boat and a look at local history.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	White House Bay	4.2 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in White House Bay offers reliable holding with a mix of sand and rock seabed. Check-in and check-out processes are available at the adjacent marina, often described as efficient and straightforward. The setting is usually calm, with occasional gusts and clear water.
	Friars Bay	4.0 ★	Review summary: Dinghy access is available beside the swimming platform at the designated bar. The anchorage offers good holding in sandy areas around 3 meters deep. The area is scenic and features nearby bars and dining options, although visitors have noted the potential for rolliness.
	Ballast Bay	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Ballast Bay is well-regarded for good holding on sand and seagrass. Visitors appreciate the protection it offers from swell while allowing easy access to check-in facilities. The area offers beautiful views, but lacks amenities like beaches and restaurants.
	Frigate Bay	3.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Frigate Bay provides reliable holding on a sandy bottom, with access to dinghy docks and nearby amenities including beaches, bars, and grocery stores. The anchorage can become rolly when the wind shifts, yet overall offers convenience and accessibility.
	Pump Bay	3.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Pump Bay provides a tranquil experience, with quiet waters and minimal boat presence. The anchorage holds well, featuring sand bottoms in shallow depths, suitable for catamarans. Visitors can enjoy peaceful nights without heavy swell, making it a restful stopover.
	Basseterre, St Kitts	1.0 ★	Review summary: Checking in to St Kitts is possible at Basseterre, though reviews highlight a rolly experience. Visitors report using this spot primarily for procedural purposes before moving to more sheltered anchorages.

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Marinas

	Port Zante Marina	4.1 ★	Review summary: Hail Port Zante Marina on VHF 68 for arrival. Visitors praise the marina for its central location and friendly staff. Some mention challenges with clearance procedures and a lack of space, but overall find it a good spot for accessing the town.
	The Marina at Christophe Harbour	3.0 ★	Review summary: Clearing through customs at the marina can be time-consuming, with wait times extending up to several hours. While some visitors have experienced friendly staff, services like restaurants and shops are often unavailable. The marina mainly caters to large yachts, possibly impacting facilities for smaller vessels.

Moorings

Pinney's Beach

4.3 ★

Review summary: Clearance procedures are efficiently handled in Charlestown, making it a straightforward process. The mooring buoys at Pinney's Beach are well maintained, providing reliable shelter. There are several bars and restaurants nearby, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the local cuisine and scenery.

Boatyards and services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Useful yacht clearance links

Sailors can expect stable trade winds from the northeast, giving predictable conditions for coastal hops, with more roll likely in exposed bays when the breeze freshens.

There is some local capacity for storing or keeping boats in Saint Kitts and Nevis, but most cruisers move south for the main hurricane months.

• Best times of year to sail here: December to May
• Most common type of shore power: 120V/230V 60Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Personal security: Generally safe, with minor risks in crowded areas
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Ambulance: 911
  • Fire: 333
  • Police: 911
  • Coastguard: 465 8484 or 466 9280
• International dialing code: +1-869
• Time zone(s): UTC -4

The early maritime history of Saint Kitts and Nevis is marked by its strategic position in the Caribbean that attracted ancient islanders and later European colonizers. The islands were initially settled by the Arawak and later the Carib peoples, who engaged in inter-island navigation for trade and sustenance. Evidence of this is visible through archeological sites that outline early trading routes and native maritime activities.

European contact in the early 17th century brought significant change as Saint Kitts, often called the 'Mother Colony of the West Indies,' became the first British and French colonial settlement in the Caribbean. This period saw intense colonial rivalry; the islands changed hands multiple times due to European power struggles. The port in Basseterre emerged as a significant naval and commercial hub, heavily influencing the maritime activities in the region.

Modern maritime life in Saint Kitts and Nevis still reflects the islands’ colonial and trading history, from working ports to visiting yachts. Annual regattas and smaller local races keep a steady flow of sailing activity around the islands.